2. Heart disease

The chemicals and tar in cigarettes can increase a person’s risk of atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque in the blood vessels. This buildup limits blood flow and can lead to dangerous blockages.

Smoking also increases the risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD), which occurs when the arteries to the arms and legs start to narrow, restricting blood flow.

Research shows a direct link between smoking and developing PAD. Even those who used to smoke face a higher risk than people who never smoked.

3. Fertility problems

Smoking cigarettes can damage a female’s reproductive system and make it more difficult to get pregnant. This may be because tobacco and the other chemicals in cigarettes affect hormone levels.

In males, the more cigarettes a person smokes and the longer they smoke for, the higher the risk of erectile dysfunction. Smoking can also affect the quality of the sperm and therefore reduce fertility.

4. Risk of pregnancy complications

Smoking can increase the risk of ectopic pregancy and reduce the baby’s birth weight.

According to the CDC, smoking can affect pregnancy and the developing fetus in several ways, including:

Quitting

While quitting smoking can be challenging, the CDC report that today, there are more people who used to smoke than people who currently smoke.

Once a person stops smoking, the benefits start accumulating. These include clearer skin, improved oral health, more stable hormones, a stronger immune system, and a reduced risk of many types of cancers.

After 20 minutes–12 hours: Heart rate and carbon monoxide in the blood drop to normal levels.

After 1 year: The risk of a heart attack is much lower, as is blood pressure. Coughing and upper respiratory problems begin to improve.

After 2–5 years: The risk of stroke drops to that of someone who does not smoke, according to the CDC.

After 5–15 years: The risk of mouth, throat, esophagus, and bladder cancer is reduced by half.

After 10 years: The risk of lung cancer and bladder cancer is half that of someone who currently smokes.

After 15 years: The risk of heart disease is similar to that of someone who never smoked.

Nicotine is an addictive drug and can cause withdrawal symptoms when a person stops using it. These symptoms including cravings, increased appetite, and irritability. Cravings and other effects typically subside over time.

A doctor or other healthcare professional can help a person take positive steps toward quitting smoking.